Warts are unsightly skin growths caused by the highly contagious human papillomavirus. You can catch the virus by direct contact with someone who has warts, or by touching an infected surface. However, not everyone who comes into contact with the virus develops warts, as they are related to the status of your immune system.

Warts are unsightly skin growths caused by the highly contagious human papillomavirus. You can catch the virus by direct contact with someone who has warts, or by touching an infected surface. However, not everyone who comes into contact with the virus develops warts, as they are related to the status of your immune system.

The conventional treatment of warts involves either cutting them out, applying chemicals or freezing them off with liquid nitrogen. But, even if these methods are successful, the warts are likely to grow back. In addition, many of these treatments come with nasty side effects.

Aldara cream for example, can cause redness, itching and bacterial infections, while using liquid nitrogen ‘ besides being painful ‘ can lead to scarring. Some therapies can even cause systemic side effects such as Raynaud’s phenomenon (painful, cold extremities) and flu ‘like symptoms.

There are a number of alternative treatments for warts:-

Fig tree latex. This comes from the leaves, stems and fruit of the fig tree and has traditionally been used for warts. It has proved to be nearly as effective as liquid nitrogen treatments but without the side effects. However, avoid this remedy if you are allergic to latex.

Garlic. This is another successful remedy for warts. In a small trial of five year old children, rubbing raw garlic directly onto the warts proved to be 100 percent effective, although it took an average of nine weeks to work. Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the flat surface over the wart, taking care not to touch healthy skin. Cover with a plaster overnight and wash away in the morning: repeat every day with a fresh clove.

Tea tree oil. This and the fresh, milky juice from the greater celadine are other topical treatments with evidence of success in removing warts.

Hypnosis. Strange as it may seem, hypnosis is a well recognised treatment for warts. In one study, those who underwent regular hypnosis sessions saw greater wart disappearance after six weeks than those using a medication (topical salicylic acid), a placebo or no treatment. The power of suggestion is particularly effective in children. German researchers found that ‘treating’ children with fake x-rays led to complete remission of warts in about half the cases.

Heat Therapy. In one comparative controlled trial, the application of short bursts of heat (50 degrees C) from a heat pad led to complete regression in 25 of 29 treated warts, compared with only 7 of 17 of the control warts. Even better, at a follow up fifteen weeks later, none of the heat regressed warts had returned.

Zinc supplements. In a double blind study of 80 patients with treatment resistant warts, high doses of oral zinc sulphate were able to clear around 90 percent of warts in two months, whereas none of those treated with a placebo showed any signs of improvement.

Duct tape. Covering warts with duct tape, or any strong sticky tape, appears to be an effective way of getting rid of them. In a trial of 51 patients comparing duct tape with liquid nitrogen treatment, the sticky tape came out on top. And, it did so within a month.

How do you stop warts from spreading?

1) Don’t brush, comb or shave areas that have warts.

2) Don’t use the same nail file or nail clipper on your warts as you use on your healthy nails.

3) Don’t bite your nails if you have any warts nearby.

4) Don’t pick at warts ‘ if you can’t resist it, cover them up with a plaster or duct tape.

5) Keep your hands dry, as warts favour a moist environment.

6) Always wash your hands after touching your warts.

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Andrew Tomkinson is an Information Publisher. For more guidance on the treatment of warts, please go to the link: http://budurl.com/HomeMadeMedicine

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